Question

A comment is sought on rumoured changes to the service at a dental practice in Cupar.

It is suggested that The Cupar Dentist is messaging patients to cancel long-standing appointments, saying they’ll only be dealing with emergencies from now on. They have also said they are considering closure. The practice is thought to be part of an Edinburgh-based group called Real Good Dental.

Is NHS Fife aware of these changes? Is there anything in place to help patients who are no longer receiving routine care?

 

Answer

A spokesperson for NHS Fife said:

“NHS Fife’s Public Dental Service very recently became aware of intended changes at The Cupar Dentist. This followed contact from patients who had received a notification from the practice about the upcoming developments. We have urgently reached out to the practice operators to better understand their intentions and seek assurances that patients will continue to receive a good standard of care.

"The national shortage of qualified dentists remains a significant issue impacting NHS dentistry across Scotland, including here in Fife. Several factors contribute to this including recruitment challenges and the shift from smaller NHS-run practices to larger

corporate entities, which means individual health boards have only very limited influence over practice decisions.

“NHS Fife's Dental Advice Line provides up to date information about which practices in Fife are currently in a position to register new NHS patients. There is more information about Fife’s Public Dental service on the NHS Fife website, at: www.nhsfife.org/publicdental.

“Our local Public Dental Service is available to provide emergency dental care for those unable to register at a local practice. The service plays a vital role in addressing urgent and unmet dental needs, particularly for children and vulnerable adults, providing an essential safety net for those facing barriers to care. Access to emergency care can be arranged through Fife’s dental advice line on 01592 226555, which is open on weekdays from 8:30am to 5pm, or via NHS 24 on 111 during evenings and weekends.”

[ENDS]

 

Issued: 23 April 2025